Question Number: 12519

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/9/2006

RE: Military Competitive Adult

COL Joseph R. Nunez of Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 12098

What is the call for the following soccer infraction? In a game, one team shoots the ball toward the goal. The goalie is out of position, so one of his fullbacks deliberately dives on the ball to prevent it from crossing the goal line. He does not attempt to kick or head the ball, and may or may not have used his arms/hands when he falls on the ball. Is this a penalty (direct) kick or an indirect kick? Thanks for your answer.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Tha depends. If he uses his hands/arms and denies a goal or obvious goal scoring opportunity, it's a red card and a PK if inside the penalty area, DFK if outside the penalty area. If he uses his body and doesn't subsequently lie on the ball preventing an opponent getting to it, no foul continue play. If he dives on it and stays on it or kicks it while he's on the ground in such a way so as to disadvantage an opponent, he may be sanctioned for playing in a dangerous manner, the restart would be an indirect free kick for the opponents from that spot unless inside the goal area wherein the ball would come out to the six yard line.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Sir: he may not use his hands or arms to play the ball. Any other part is fine. If he prevents a goal with his backside or other unmentionable part he is still within the Law. That is given the points made by my colleague.

If a goal is saved he should receive the same accolades as he would for falling on a hand grenade.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

I could only add that if the defender made a save such as this without commiting a foul (using hands/arms, or playing in a dangerous manner), then he is to be commended for his heads up play to save the goal for his out-of-position teammate.